Everyone Has a Story – and They All Need to Be Told
Lately, I feel like I can’t escape from this reality. Everyone – everyone – has a story to tell. And everyone’s story matters.
I think the misconception is we think that our story is only really relevant to ourselves. I mean, everyone has his/her own story; what difference does my story make to anyone else?
Here’s the beauty of it: there is an unbelievable overlap of stories, an incredible intersection of this Venn Diagram of stories. And I am finding myself sincerely stunned at how, Providentially, these stories keep ‘finding’ each other.
Maybe I’m stating the obvious; maybe this is just ‘standard operating procedure’ when you are out here, with your whole life on display, in the blogosphere. But I truly think there is More going on beneath the surface, bringing all of these stories together.
When I started blogging last summer, I really had no intention of turning this into an infertility blog (and honestly, I don’t consider my blog to be that nor do I want it to become that). I shared my TTC story because, honestly, I was new and scrambling for things to write about – and well, yeah, I had enough material there to cover a few posts. Then as I was telling our story, my story went ‘live’ in the sense that I became pregnant again and was no longer telling our ‘history’ but our ‘present’ story.
To me, I don’t find my story particularly interesting or gripping or heart-wrenching – not any more than anyone else’s story; lots of women are struggling with this – and many for much longer and in much more dramatic ways.
I am always genuinely amazed when women comment about any connection they feel with me, my story, a particular post. I mean, to me – it’s just me…a day in the life…what’s going on in any given moment. Nothing super-extraordinary about my struggle. No more than anyone else’s.
But for some reason, there is…I’m struggling to find the right word… something transcendent when our story connects with someone else out there. These commonalities forge this incredible bond with strangers, somehow knowing that we aren’t alone in the middle of our stories. Someone else ‘gets’ it.
Part of me just feels the need to tell it, regardless of who’s ‘listening’, but I’m always a little surprised when people are.
I’ve been given some incredible opportunities to share my story – not really sure why, not really sure how, but I’m just going with it. I’m trusting that God must have a reason behind it all.
And I believe the same is true for you. Your story is powerful. I don’t know in what way, for whom, where it will lead…but I am certain of this: someone needs to hear your story. I’m convinced that this is part of the reason God allows us to go through what we go through: To share it with others. To reap something good from it. To make it worth it, somehow. To redeem it.
We had a local pastor come to our school yesterday to speak to our students during chapel. One thing he said has been resonating with me. He told the story of Daniel in the Bible. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had a dream he wanted interpreted, but he wouldn’t tell anyone what the dream was. He said that if a person really could interpret the dream, he would not only give the interpretation, but he would give the dream as well. God gave Daniel both the dream and interpretation. And Daniel was the only one who could complete this task. Daniel was the only one who had this piece to the puzzle. The only one.
What if the same is true for us? What if God has put words in our mouths, given us stories in our lives – with such specific details and told in the way that only we can tell it – that are meant to be used for good? That are meant to reach someone? Meant to make a difference? What if my story – your story – and the people that only you or me will reach with our stories – are part of this greater plan, this greater purpose – to use our stories for good?
In the movie Shadowlands, C.S. Lewis states, “We read to know we are not alone.” Guess what? If we are reading, someone is writing. Someone is ‘telling a story.’ What if it is that one story that helps someone else know they are not alone? I am completely undone by the thought of this. My story having that kind of power. Your story.
I don’t think your story is meant to be just for you. True, we need to be wise in when and how and where we share. But I think our stories are meant to be shared. I commend so many of my brave friends for sharing their stories, using their stories for good. Such courage. Such redemption in that.
All I can say is that I am so grateful that I can read your stories and relate. And I am so grateful if you can read mine and relate. I am so grateful for these connections and intersections and overlaps of our stories.
I am so grateful that we can read and write and share – and know that we aren’t alone.
{Thank you, Lisa at Amateur Nester, for giving me the chance to share my story on your blog today! Truly an honor!}
{Thank you, Fertility Authority, for giving me the chance to share party of my story ‘A Survival Guide for Miscarriages’ (Part 1 and Part 2) on your website today!}
[Photo Credit: kushandwizdom.tumblr)
I’m so grateful that I found your blog! I never meant to turn my blog into an infertility/miscarriage one either, but sometimes I feel as though I’m more drawn to write in that department. You are very appreciated 🙂
Isn’t it funny? Your life sort of takes over and your blog is the natural outlet for it. But I am so grateful for blogging, honestly. It’s provided so much support and encouragement. A huge part of what has helped me through, I think! Thanks for writing your story, too. It’s helping others – and me ! I’m certain of it! xo
Amen and Amen. Everyone so has a story. Am so thankful you’ve been sharing yours!
Thanks for coming along, friend. I have loved following your story in pictures (and in words, too). All powerful. Hugs!
Wonderfully stated, Kate. Love it. Yes, our stories do seem dreadfully dull to us, don’t they? At least, I think mine does. I do compare my story to others, and find myself coming up short. In my mind, that is. I am sure others are doing the same to others. And yet, as you say, when we share, those stories take on a new life, a new meaning. not to us, per se, but to someone else who is realizing that they are not alone too. That they aren’t the only ones thinking / acting / feeling that way.
And I think that is why blogging is a powerful thing – a seemingly random group of folks who would have never found each other getting together and sharing stories and swapping experiences. Doesn’t matter what it is, there is an audience of like minded people out there. And even those who aren’t particularly of like mind still connect on other completely different stuff…how cool is that?
Thank you for sharing this…it helps me to maintain what I do too.
Blessings 🙂
Paul
I love how you put this, Paul. Perfectly stated. Blogging has been so much more impacting in my life than I ever anticipated. It really started out for me, to write, hoping someone was listening. But I never really thought about the relationships and bonds that could be created through this. Never crossed my mind. It is so validating, in so many ways.
I’m blown away by the power of our stories. Really. And reading your story has had the same effect on me…we all are so similar, we humans, even though the details are different. Very cool.
Thanks for reading and sharing in my story, Paul – and thanks for sharing yours. I know first hand how inspiring and powerful the telling of your story has been. Not dull by a longshot!
I totally agree! I have posted a couple of blogs in the last week of the need to share our story. It can help us, help them, and help anyone who will stumble upon it later. hugs to you!
waitingforbabybird.com
Exactly, Elisha! There is so much good that comes of sharing!!!! We feel so alone and so lost in our circumstances…and that is just not true. Satan tries to isolate us…and when we share, that is broken. Thanks for being a part of it – and for sharing yours, Elisha! Has meant so much!
I’m so thankful you shared your story! Thank you for this post Kate!
Same to you, Amy! So glad to have found yours!
I had read both those articles on Fertility Authority and hasn’t realised you wrote them Kate! Amazingly accurate and well-written. Thank you for telling your story and for listening to ours. Hugs xx
I could say the same to you, Lisette. Your story of perseverance and overcoming has been so inspiring. So glad to be reading ‘Part 2’ to your story. Thanks for making us a part of it, too! xo
Led here by another who shared your post and so glad. Loved your heart here. I recently wrote about telling our stories and I believe when we do God is glorified. What you shared from C.S. Lewis really spoke to me too.
Blessings to you.
Beth
Thanks, Beth! It’s hard to escape this theme, isn’t it? It’s not rocket-science, but I am finding myself in awe over this reality. I’m a little slow, I guess! I would love to read your post about this too! I will check it out – or send me over the link! Thanks for coming by, Beth! 🙂
I can not tell you how often I have said “everyone has a story” and even done blog posts about it. Yes—everyone has a story. Thanks for sharing yours.
I would love to read your posts about it, Beth Ann! I know this idea is clearly not original with me, but it just struck me like a lightning bolt. I’m just kind of in awe about it… Thanks, Beth Ann!
I love how everyone can write about similar things but still have their own angle and point of view. There is room for everyone out here in the blogosphere, isn’t there? I love that.
Lovely post! I agree everyone have a story. Thanks for sharing yours Katie! Visiting from SITS share fest. 🙂
Thank you so much, Yvonne! I am very appreciative of you stopping by! 🙂
You have made a very profound statement. Everyone has a story and that story should be told. I’m an author and I truly believe in writing. I have a company titled “Succeed at Writing” where I help writers get their stories written. I have tips and information at my website http://www.succeedatwriting.com If I can help anyone get there story written, I feel like I’ve done a wonderful thing for the world. Have a blessed day. Followed you from SITS.
I wanted to add that I liked your blog so much, I’ve added it to my recommended links at http://www.livingstonefaith.com I think you would like that blog as well
Thanks so much for coming by, Vicki! I love what you are doing! I will definitely check out your site and your blog! Sometimes I feel like a tiny voice in a sea of writers…but I’m beginning to believe that is OK. The stories will connect with who they are supposed to connect with. Thank you so much for reading and adding me to your list. Truly honored!
I chuckled to myself when you said ‘tiny voice’. Sometimes not fully realizing the extent of our reach is what keeps us humble! I love your words and like you, am always kinda surprised when someone says my story has touched them… it’s just … ME! But thank you. For being you and being open and honest. You strike a balance very well, even if you don’t often feel that way!!
Wow, Katie!! I am giving my testimony, story, at the next Women’s Ministry. This blog is a confirmation!! You are such a blessing!!
Fantastic! So glad God used to confirm that! Can’t wait to hear it! You are a true blessing, Lynette! Grateful for you! 🙂
Having been absent from blogging for a while, I find this an affirmation that my story does need to be told, even if it only reaches one person at that God appointed moment. I am so glad you are still here, telling your story, you are a blessing!
I agree, Diane! You have so much to share, and I have often been that ‘1 person’. Please keep telling your story, as God gives you grace to share! Thinking of you!
“someone needs to hear your story. I’m convinced that this is part of the reason God allows us to go through what we go through: To share it with others. To reap something good from it. To make it worth it, somehow. To redeem it”
I totally agree with you Katie. Sometimes we don’t even know why we go through what we go through until long after. And often times the helpful stories, or worthwhile stories come from those moments of darkness and suffering.
Many blessings girl, and keep telling your stories. You know they’re being used by God. =)
Staci
I agree, Staci. It feels tragic in the moment, and aspects of it are, but there is something painfully beautiful in what comes from tragedy. All a part of how I think He redeems it. Ugh, and sometimes, there couldn’t be certain kinds of beauty apart from the tragedy. A crazy irony. Thanks for reading some of my stories, Staci. So glad I get to keep up with some of yours, too! 🙂
I love this Kate! Sometimes I think the struggles we go through aren’t even always for ourselves (in helping us mature in Christ) but also for the people we will meet in the future who need to hear our stories and be encouraged because they are walking the same path that we are.
It’s so beautiful when people (like you) are transparent about the season and situation God is taking them through and blessing others in the process. Thank you for being brave enough to share your story with the world. May it continue to bring truth, hope, and encouragement to all those who read it. Be blessed!
I absolutely agree, Anna. And sometimes that reality is hard to swallow sometimes (“the struggles we go through aren’t even always for ourselves (in helping us mature in Christ) but also for the people we will meet in the future who need to hear our stories and be encouraged because they are walking the same path that we are.”) Sometimes I just want a nicer story!
But the bottom line is that our lives are His, to use and and fashion as He sees best. And truly, there is so much more that can come out of our lives that way – even if it feels like it is the more painful road.
I could say the same to you, Anna – thank you for bringing truth, hope and encouragement to those who read your story, too! I’m included in that bunch!
I love this, it resonated with me:
“there is an unbelievable overlap of stories, an incredible intersection of this Venn Diagram of stories”
Thank you so much for you kind comment and for coming by! I’m truly amazied at these kinds of connections!
I agree with you but the way you’ve expressed it is so amazing. I started my blog because I feel like I have a story and unique voice to share with the world. As I think about ending, words like this keep me going. Thank you for sharing. And I don’t have a niche either. It’s just my voice sharing my day.
Keep going! Definitely!! There is definitely someone who needs your words and story. I really think we have no idea of the ripple effect of our words and experiences! 🙂 So glad it helped you!
Thanks for much for coming by! 🙂
I believe it. Every word. 🙂 Great post! Found you via SitsGirls and following you now from http://www.dancinmoma.com (Since we are both on wordpress its easy to follow each other!) It’s funny, I already commented on my official tribe for comment luv and decided to venture out and find more FAB bloggers out there. 🙂 Glad I found you. 🙂 Cheers!
Thanks so much! Totally appreciate that! I will be by to check out yours, too! Grateful for the new friends networking brings! 🙂